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AQOP Foundation raises $7,500 through live cattle auction

In a matter of minutes, the Avera Queen of Peace Foundation raised more than $7,500 with the help of area cattle producers.

Approximately a month ago on Nov. 9, the foundation and Mitchell Livestock Marketing partnered for the fourth annual Cattle for Cancer, raising $7,531.84 in seven and a half minutes, according to Molly Sutton, director of the Avera Queen of Peace Foundation.

Area producers had the chance to sell cattle during an auction to benefit the Foundation's Cancer Care Fund, make a donation during the rollover sale or purchase cattle.

The Cancer Care Fund typically helps patients with assistance during treatment, such as gas, travel and lodging.

Thirty producers contributed to the cause, Sutton said, and she and the foundation couldn't be more pleased.

"We are very happy for that. It's amazing to see that sale. The first time somebody is able to attend, the smiles you see on people's faces and the ability for those donors to get involved, I think it's amazing," Sutton said.

Cattle for Cancer formed four years ago when a donor wanted to sell cattle to benefit the foundation, Sutton said, and so it became an event for area producers to participate.

But it's more than just the yearly sale, Sutton said, as Mitchell Livestock and the foundation's partnership extends beyond the one day. Mitchell Livestock allows any producer to sell or donate to the foundation through the market any time of the year, she said.

"Because we live in the area that we do, for some people it's a lot easier and a lot simpler to be able to sell a head of cattle to benefit an organization," Sutton said. "So we have been very happy to form a relationship with Mitchell Livestock and hold a sale every year."